FAO launches global platform to spread the qualities of successful Farmer Field Schools

14 February 2018, Rome - Farmer Field Schools, a community-driven approach to agricultural training and education, are increasingly in demand around the world for their ability to help smallholder farmers cope with complex challenges.

Strong cereal harvests are keeping global food supplies buoyant, but localised drought, flooding and protracted conflicts have intensified and perpetuated food insecurity, according to the new edition of FAO's Crop Prospects and Food Situation report. Some 37 countries, 29 of which are in Africa, require external assistance for food, according to the report.

The benchmark US wheat price declined in October mostly because of higher supply prospects while maize quotations firmed due to rain-induced harvest delays. International rice prices strengthened in October, mainly reflecting seasonally tight Japonica and fragrant supplies.

The Desert Locust situation continued to remain calm during October. Seasonal rains ended in the summer breeding areas of the Sahel in West Africa and Sudan as well as along the Indo-Pakistan border. Consequently, vegetation was drying out and locust numbers were decreasing. Small-scale breeding continued in western Mauritania but locust numbers remained low. A second generation of breeding is thought to be underway in one area on the Red Sea coast in Eritrea where good rains have fallen since May.

International prices of wheat increased in September mostly because of weather-related concerns, while maize quotations fell further on crop harvest pressure. International rice prices remained generally firm, supported by seasonally tight availabilities of fragrant rice and strong demand for higher quality Indica supplies.